A history of hard work
Nearly 20 years ago, Ron Onesti led an orange-and-white menace that trampled on many dreams.
He runs the Arcada now. But from 1987 through 1989, Onesti spent nights and weekends coaching the Orioles - a dominating group of Little Leaguers at Hanson Park on Chicago's northwest side.
In those days before Little League World Series scandals about the real age of its players, Onesti coached a team of 10- to 12-year-olds who seemed bigger, faster and older than every other team in the White Cap league.
No matter how good my team - sadly, the Yankees - played, Onesti's Orioles didn't care. They thumped us anyway, with rare exception.
Almost as a cruel tease one doubleheader Saturday, the Orioles cheered on the Yankees to beat their biggest rival. The Orioles congratulated us on the win, and then promptly destroyed us in game two.
He coached me on a couple of all-star teams and was the first to offer medical attention after one of his players, naturally, nailed me in the knee with a line drive.
When he wasn't coaching, he played baseball at a semi-pro level and ran an early version of the business he runs today.
Through it all, Onesti - typically referred to with a Mister or Coach ahead of his name - was a motivator and teacher.
"I really enjoyed it," he said. "It was a way to give back to the community."
From the rocky, dirt fields of Hanson Park to the historic Arcada Theatre on Main Street in St. Charles, Onesti continues to find ways to contribute.
A lot has happened since we last crossed paths.
He ran Softball City, a sporting goods store on Irving Park Road in Chicago, for several years before selling it to a national chain. He toured the world with a play about Frank Sinatra and The Rat Pack. He produced and promoted more events than even he probably can remember.
He just worked hard. He still does - that became evident Wednesday when Onesti took a few minutes to talk with one of his old ballplayers between preparing for a Temptations concert, a corporate event and a festival in Addison.
In 1998, the current incarnation of Onesti Entertainment was formed, although it was born years back in the White Cap days when Onesti produced events for, among others, the neighborhood shopping mall, The Brickyard.
In 2005, Onesti's company stepped in to take over the Arcada when the landmark's status in St. Charles fell into question. Onesti mentioned words like "wrecking ball" and "condos" when talking about what could have happened.
"It was something that just happened," Onesti modestly said of securing the long-term agreement that gives him responsibility of the theatre and its events.
Under his leadership, the Arcada has rebounded to light up - literally, since the marquee was fully illuminated last year for the first time since the 1970s - the downtown's east side.
In less than two years, Onesti has booked a wide variety of acts for the Arcada stage, from silent movies to 1980s heavy metal band Quiet Riot.
The Arcada's resurgence should be appreciated by city leaders. Onesti, again in a modest tone, said he has received a "trememdous amount of feedback." In one instance, Onesti heard from a woman who sold popcorn at the theatre as a teen and met her future husband there.
"It's a great historic place," he said, adding the Arcada is celebrating its 80th birthday this year.
In a nod to our history, as well as an insight into his current endeavors, Onesti offered a simple recipe for success.
"Be serious about getting the job done, but, at the same time, have fun," he said.
That fun has created winners from dusty ball fields to downtown St. Charles, as well as lessons we all can learn from, no matter our age.
* Dan Campana is the Kane County Chronicle assignment editor. Call (630) 845-5355 or e-mail at dcampana@kcchronicle.com